A Place Steeped in History
Located in the heart of the Marais, between Place de la Bastille and Place des Vosges, Rue des Tournelles combines refinement with contemporary eccentricity, animated by fashion weeks and cultural events.
On the ground floor of a 15th-century building, a space with asymmetrical walls—witness to many artisanal activities—now hosts the creative work of Oro architecture studio, writing a new chapter in its story.
Two Wine Enthusiasts
The project was born from the passion of Alena and Benjamin, Franco-Russian oenologists, who wanted to create a unique venue offering a selection of more than 400 wines. Each bottle carries the story of its winemakers, which the couple shares with their guests, all united by the same love for wine.
A Social Space
More than a classic Parisian bar, the project aims to foster sharing and connection. The large central table and the Japanese-inspired counter create opportunities to meet and interact. This social principle guided the entire design process.
Wine at the Heart of the Concept
For the architect, the space was crafted as one would craft wine, around three notes: woody, mineral, and vegetal.
The woody note is embodied in the large table that structures the space and symbolizes conviviality, allowing strangers to share emotions and conversations. The vegetal note appears in the ceiling covered with vines. The mineral note is expressed through metal and concrete.
Light That Shapes the Space
The theme of diaphaneity drives the lighting design: materiality brings in light not directly, but through the ability of surfaces to reflect and diffuse it.
The metal glass-holder structure, illuminated by an LED strip, makes the crystal sparkle like an old chandelier. Similarly, the backlighting of the shelves enhances the bottles by playing with reflective surfaces.
The vine-covered ceiling softens direct light and casts branch shadows on the floor and walls, reinforcing the intimate atmosphere of the place.
Aged Mirror
A key feature of the project is a mirror running along an entire wall, expanding the space with infinite reflections. Crafted by an Italian artisan, its aged surface adds a unique patina to the setting.
Team:
Project Manager / Architect: Oro Architecture Paysage
Photography: Alexandre Marguerie, Alice Casenave
